CINCINNATI - Senior Zach Patterson scored his first career goal in the 75th minute to lead the University of Cincinnati men's soccer team to a 1-0 win against Towson on Friday night in Gettler Stadium.

The match was scoreless through the first 45 minutes with the Bearcats (2-4-1) having a pair of scoring opportunities thwarted by Towson (2-4-0) goalkeeper Felix Petermann. In the 19th minute, Cole DeNormandie controlled the ball, turned on his man and fired a shot right into the chest of Petermann who had advanced out nearly to the penalty spot.

Towson nearly jumped ahead in the 31st minute when Enrico Skrypzak got in all alone on Taylor Hafling along the right side. Hafling came charging off his line and made a sprawling save to keep it level.

In the 37th, the Bearcats had a pair of chances turned away as David Murrow rifled a shot that was blocked down by Petermann, again off his line. Matt Remaley corralled the rebound and fired a shot high over an open net.

Towson again nearly grabbed the lead three minutes later as Olakunle Banjo get in behind the defense on the right flank and had his shot pushed up and over the crossbar by Hafling.

Towson opened the second half with the best chances of the match just a minute apart. In the 64th, Skrypzak beat Hafling to the far post, but his shot clanged off harmlessly for a goal kick. Towson regained control following the goal kick and Banjo saw his effort go off the top of the crossbar and over.

The Bearcats broke through in the 75th minute when Mike Brizzi found and unmarked Patterson on a throw-in. The senior, wearing the captain's armband, dribbled in to about 25 yards unimpeded and bent a shot clinically over Petermann for his first game winner.

The Bearcats settled in defensively following the goal and worked the final 15 minutes off the clock to get the first win since the season-opening 1-0 victory against Drake.

Hafling posted his second shutout of the season, making six saves.

The Bearcats welcome Gardner-Webb to Gettler Stadium for a 1 p.m. kickoff on Sunday, Sept. 16.